Occupants of Church built on Lashibi Ramsar site given 1-week to pack out before demolition

The House of Gilgal Prayer Ministry, a church in Lashibi, has one week to vacate. This is ahead of a planned demolition of the building.

The Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) is leading this demolition. The goal is to remove buildings from waterlogged areas. This will help reclaim and preserve the Ramsar site. The site is important for flood control and wildlife habitat.

The church has been on the Ramsar site for five years. It is reportedly the oldest building there and previously avoided demolition.

On the second day of the operation, church members packed their belongings. They were seen removing chairs and other items from the premises.

Pastor Deborah Odumang spoke with JoyNews on May 28. She asked authorities for more time to leave. "Please be patient with us," she said, requesting a week to vacate. Her request was granted.

When asked about her presence on the land, Pastor Odumang said she was unaware it was not allowed. She mentioned that they had planned to relocate three years ago but stayed when no action was taken against them.

Pastor Odumang also noted that she lives there with her mother and sister. They are the three main occupants of the church structure.